The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an important weather bulletin predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across four major states tomorrow. The forecast has raised alerts among local administrations, travelers, farmers, and residents in vulnerable areas, as heavy monsoon showers can bring both relief and challenges. While rains are a blessing for agriculture and water reservoirs, extreme downpours often lead to flooding, traffic disruption, and other safety concerns.
In this blog, we will cover in detail the regions likely to be affected, possible impacts of the weather, preparedness measures, and what the IMD has highlighted in its forecast.
The IMD Forecast: A Quick Overview
The IMD, India’s premier weather agency, has predicted that parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall tomorrow. The forecast comes amid an active monsoon phase, with several atmospheric conditions contributing to enhanced rainfall activity in eastern and central India.
According to meteorologists, a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying and moving inland, pulling in large amounts of moisture-laden winds. This system is expected to cause widespread rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in several districts across the four states.
Why These States Are on Alert
1. Odisha
Odisha, with its long coastline and agricultural economy, is no stranger to heavy monsoon activity. The IMD has predicted very heavy rainfall in northern and coastal districts, where river basins could see a sharp rise in water levels. Flash floods, waterlogging in urban areas like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and landslides in hilly regions remain possible risks.
2. West Bengal
In West Bengal, the impact is likely to be more significant in southern districts, particularly Kolkata, Howrah, South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur. The city of Kolkata, known for its old drainage system, may experience severe waterlogging if the rains persist for long hours. Farmers in rural areas may benefit from good rainfall, but sudden flooding could damage standing crops.
3. Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, located in central India, is also set to receive heavy showers tomorrow. Districts like Raipur, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur could see very heavy rainfall, which might affect local rivers such as the Mahanadi. Given the state’s mix of plains and forested terrain, both urban flooding and landslides in hilly regions are possible.
4. Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad are expected to receive heavy rainfall, which could create traffic bottlenecks and power supply interruptions. The rainfall will benefit coal mining regions and water storage levels but may also trigger landslides in certain hilly pockets.
Possible Impacts of the Heavy Rainfall
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, though a natural part of the monsoon cycle, often brings a mixed bag of results. Below are the likely impacts:
- Urban Flooding: Cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Ranchi could experience severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
- Agriculture: While beneficial for paddy cultivation and groundwater recharge, intense rainfall could damage crops due to water stagnation.
- Transport: Railway and road networks might face delays due to flooding of tracks and highways.
- Rivers and Dams: Sudden inflows of water into rivers could increase the risk of flooding in low-lying regions.
- Landslides: Hilly areas in Odisha and Jharkhand may experience landslides, posing danger to local communities.
Preparedness Measures Suggested by Authorities
The IMD has advised state administrations to remain on alert and prepare necessary action plans. Key measures include:
- Flood Preparedness: Local authorities have been instructed to monitor river embankments and ensure flood control measures are in place.
- Urban Planning: Municipal corporations are keeping emergency teams ready to deal with waterlogging and drainage issues.
- Travel Advisories: Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel in affected districts, particularly during peak rainfall hours.
- Agricultural Alerts: Farmers are being encouraged to protect their standing crops and store seeds properly to prevent damage.
- Power Supply & Communication: Disaster response teams are preparing to address disruptions in electricity and telecom services.
Why Is Heavy Rainfall More Frequent Now?
Climate experts point out that heavy rainfall events have become more intense and frequent in recent years. The primary reasons include:
- Climate Change: Rising global temperatures have led to higher evaporation rates, resulting in heavier rainfall events.
- Monsoon Variability: Changes in monsoon patterns have made rainfall more erratic—sometimes leading to long dry spells, followed by sudden extreme downpours.
- Urbanization: Rapid urban growth without proper drainage infrastructure increases the vulnerability of cities to flooding.
- Cyclonic Activity: Disturbances in the Bay of Bengal often trigger heavy rainfall across eastern India.
Tips for Citizens to Stay Safe During Heavy Rains
With IMD predicting very heavy rainfall tomorrow, here are some safety measures individuals can follow:
- Avoid Flood-Prone Areas: Stay away from riversides, nullahs, and low-lying regions during peak rainfall.
- Check Weather Updates: Regularly follow IMD forecasts and local alerts for the latest information.
- Travel Safely: Avoid unnecessary travel, and if needed, use public transportation instead of private vehicles.
- Emergency Kit: Keep essentials like flashlights, batteries, drinking water, and first aid ready.
- Protect Electrical Appliances: Unplug devices during thunderstorms to avoid damage from power fluctuations.
- Help the Vulnerable: Support elderly people, children, and those with disabilities in your neighborhood during emergencies.
Monsoon 2025: The Bigger Picture
This year’s monsoon has been active, with several phases of heavy rainfall across multiple regions of India. While the rain brings relief from the summer heat and replenishes reservoirs, uneven distribution has been a challenge. States like Maharashtra and Gujarat faced delayed rainfall, while Odisha and West Bengal witnessed early and intense showers.
The IMD continues to monitor evolving weather systems, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, as these significantly influence rainfall intensity. The ongoing forecast serves as a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable the monsoon can be.
Local Administration’s Response
Reports suggest that the state governments of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand have already begun mobilizing disaster response teams. Relief shelters are being readied, and evacuation plans are on standby in case rivers overflow. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been alerted to provide backup in case of severe flooding.
Additionally, the power and transport departments are ensuring rapid response teams remain available to restore services quickly. Public health departments are preparing for potential waterborne diseases that often rise after heavy rainfall.
Conclusion
The IMD’s forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in four states tomorrow is both a reminder of the monsoon’s importance and its risks. While farmers and water reservoirs will benefit greatly, the threat of urban flooding, landslides, and transport disruption cannot be ignored. Citizens, local administrations, and disaster management teams must work together to minimize the adverse impacts.
Staying alert, prepared, and cooperative will help ensure that communities remain safe and resilient during these intense monsoon spells.
FAQs
Q1. Which states will see heavy rainfall tomorrow according to IMD?
Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Q2. What causes such heavy rainfall in these regions?
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, combined with monsoon winds, is the primary driver of the rainfall.
Q3. Will cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar face flooding?
Yes, these cities are prone to waterlogging and may experience flooding if rains are prolonged.
Q4. How should farmers prepare for this rainfall?
Farmers should safeguard standing crops, use proper drainage, and store seeds safely.
Q5. Is this rainfall part of climate change effects?
Experts suggest that rising temperatures and changing monsoon patterns due to climate change are contributing to more intense rainfall events.
